Celebratory Event planned for May 3 to highlight the significant impact LiUNA Local 405 has had on Southeastern Minnesota’s roads, bridges, infrastructure and buildings

ROCHESTER, MN (February 7, 2018) – The Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 405 announced today plans for a celebration and media event on Thursday, May 3 at the Rochester Eagles Club. The purpose of this event is to celebrate 100 years of the achievements of LiUNA Local 405 in southeastern Minnesota.

LiUNA Local 405 was chartered on February 9, 1918. For 100 years the members and signatory Union contractors have helped build and maintain Rochester and the Southeastern part of Minnesota with quality and pride. From transportation and utility work to better schools and medical facilities, LiUNA Local 405 has played a major role as a long-standing community partner. LiUNA Local 405 is proud to be affiliated with great Union contractor partners in building remarkable projects, but also in providing health care, retirement pensions and wages that support LIUNA member’s families. “This coming Friday, February 9 isn’t just another day on the calendar,” said LiUNA Local 405 Business Manager Dave Borst. “Friday is a day to celebrate a century of making Rochester and the southeastern part of this state better. We have built so much more than roads and bridges. We have built long lasting partnerships that remain strong to this day.”

At the 100-year mark, LiUNA Local 405 is as strong as it’s ever been. With 820 members residing in Rochester and SE Minnesota, union membership is the largest it has been in a decade.

As one of the oldest organized labor groups in the area, LiUNA Local 405 has a rich history that goes beyond building projects. The history of the organization has impacts on generations of family members. The union is a good community partner supporting local charities and having a significant impact on The Ronald McDonald House Cruise ride for charity over the years.

James Kelly, Executive Director of Construction Partnership, Inc. which serves the building trades unions and contractors in the greater Rochester area has extreme pride in LiUNA Local 405’s historic milestone. His great-great uncle, John Kelly was one of the members to sign the original charter on February 9, 1918.

“The rich history of this Local is evident in the fact it has had a hand in building 90-percent of Rochester’s, buildings, roads and bridges,” said Kelly. “Every time you drive on Highway 52, or visit a school or medical center, you are probably being impacted by the great work of its members.”

On Thursday, May 3, LiUNA Local 405 will host a public celebration honoring a century of impacting the Rochester community.“We have been a mainstay in Rochester for two-thirds of the city’s existence,” said Borst. “This celebration will be a great opportunity for current and retired members, union contractors and civic leaders to gather together and celebrate and reminisce on the many achievements we have had.”

Laborers District Council of North Dakota & Minnesota President Tim Mackey said he is extremely proud of the members of LiUNA Local 405. “May 3 will be a great day to celebrate the history of our organization that helped build much of modern day Rochester and Minnesota’s Southeast region,” said Mackey. “There is much more to be done and our members welcome the opportunity.”

LiUNA Local 405 Celebration of 100-year Anniversary At-A-Glance:

What: LiUNA Local 405 celebrates a century of building Rochester and Southeastern Minnesota

When: Thursday, May 3.celebration 3 to 6 p.m. Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting and media photo opportunity

Where: Rochester Eagles Club 917 15th Ave SE, in Rochester Who: Rochester area civic leaders, Local Union leadership, signatory Union contractor representatives and the general public.

----
About Us The Laborers International Union of North America, LiUNA, is a labor union that has represented American and Canadian workers for 114 years, since its establishment in 1903. The AFL-CIO affiliated Laborers International Union has over 550,000 members. Building and General Laborers Local 405 is affiliated with the Laborers District Council of MN & ND. For more information check out their website www.minnesotalaborers.org or www.facebook.com/MinnesotaLaborers http://www.liuna405.org/home http://www.constructionpartnership.com/directory-listing/289/laborers-union-local-405/